Toronto Bans Plastic Carryout Bags

Toronto City Council voted in the measure, and it also rescinded an existing fee for plastic bags, effective July 1, according to an e-mail response from Pat Barrett, senior communications coordinator, strategic communications, for the city. The fee was a minimum of 5 cents per bag, and retailers could charge more.

The council’s ban includes bags advertised as compostable, biodegradable, photodegradable or other similar composition.

“City staff are currently reviewing council's decision, and its premature to speculate on next steps at this time,” Barrett said.